Problems After New Shock Install

[one800]

1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4x2 5.0 V8. Installed new front shocks (Gabriel Ultra from Autozone) yesterday. Easy install. Problem - The steering shudders when turning the steering wheel, whether at low speed or standing still. I haven't driven the truck any faster than 15 MPH. Today the shudder isn't nearly as bad as yesterday. I've only driven the truck 1/4 mile since the new shocks. Do the shocks have to settle and then all is well, or is the power steering pump going out?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Hartman]

This happens sometimes when you have the front tires off the ground. It happens to me all the time. Drive the truck and it will go away.

 

[one800]

This happens sometimes when you have the front tires off the ground. It happens to me all the time. Drive the truck and it will go away.

Hey thanks Hartman.

 

[swetrid]

You have air in ps system. To help you can turn wheels all the way to left while engine is running and then shut off engine and let sit there for about 1 hour. This will help bleed air out.

 

[SoNic67]

When I replaced my shocks I didn't raise the front end from the ground... And It didn't make any noises after that, that is not normal. Probably the PS issue from above?

 

[Joe Dirt]

OP- Did you turn (steer) the wheels by hand when the truck was turned off? That would be what introduced that air into the PS system.

 

[gmanpaint]

Just turn the wheels left to right and back a bunch of times. (lock to lock)

Just make sure the engine is running, & never turn the wheels with engine off.

 

[one800]

OP- Did you turn (steer) the wheels by hand when the truck was turned off? That would be what introduced that air into the PS system.

Just turn the wheels left to right and back a bunch of times. (lock to lock)

Just make sure the engine is running, & never turn the wheels with engine off.

Thanks you guys. That's exactly what I did wrong!